Takara was already pregnant when the company said last year that it was suspending its captive breeding program and phasing out killer whale shows at its three parks in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California and San Antonio.

"This is the last one, and that makes this a particularly big deal," SeaWorld Chief Zoological Officer Chris Dold said of Wednesday afternoon's birth. "It is a bit bitter sweet. We love these killer whales."

The calf was born after an 18-month gestation and is estimated to weigh between 300 and 350 pounds (136 and 159 kg) and measure between 6 and 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters), SeaWorld said. It was 25-year-old Takara's fifth birth.

SeaWorld's vice president of veterinary services, Dr. Hendrik Nollens, it will be the last chance for researchers to study orca development in ways that cannot be done in the wild.

Animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said SeaWorld should move Takara and her calf from their tank to an "ocean sanctuary," an area of sea enclosed by nets.

"There are a lot of people willing to help. There are companies that have stepped forward and offered major donations," said PETA's corporate affairs specialist, Stephanie Shaw. "These types of seaside sanctuaries are very doable." (Reporting by Jim Forsyth; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Sandra Maler)